The Dodgers entered Game 3 of the National League Division Series aware of the challenge of relying on home runs against Braves ace Chris Sale. Despite this, they emerged with a 3-1 win, aided by home runs and a stellar performance from right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers gained a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
Attempts to score through other methods included putting six runners on base in the first three innings. However, they did not capitalize on early chances. In the first inning, Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernández reached base due to Braves errors but were left stranded when Shohei Ohtani struck out.
In the next inning, Kyle Tucker singled and advanced to second but was left on base as Kiké Hernández also struck out. The Dodgers faced scoring struggles with all six outs in the first two innings being strikeouts.
The third inning brought some hope with Betts doubling and Freddie Freeman nearly scoring with a powerful hit, which was caught by Braves’ Mauricio Dubón. Despite loading bases later in the inning, a Will Smith single and a catcher’s interference call did not translate into runs.
The breakthrough came with long balls. Kiké Hernández hit a two-run homer following Andy Pages’ first series hit. Freeman further extended the lead with another home run. The Dodges’ performance overshadowed the pitching battle between Sale and Yamamoto.
Yamamoto delivered an impressive seven innings, conceding just four hits and a single run. He kept the Braves at bay, aside from a brief fifth-inning baserunner scare, from which he efficiently escaped. Following this, his control remained unflappable.
Dodgers’ bullpen strength was evident with Tanner Scott throwing a hitless eighth inning. Edwin Díaz closed the game, overcoming a double by Ozzie Albies to secure the victory.